What is Chlamydia?

The number of people that suffer from Chlamydia continuously increases every year. In the United Kingdom, it is the number one sexually transmitted infection and it will remain to be that way if we do not do anything about it.

Dubbed as the “silent disease,” Chlamydia is able to sneak into the human body and spread without any detection because it can do all those damages without showing any symptoms. As a result, more than half of the males and females who are infected with the bacteria are left clueless, undiagnosed, and untreated. They only realize that they have Chlamydia when the disease progresses to more severe complications.

Five years ago, in 2007, reports show that almost 122,000 people have been infected with Chlamydia. That number rose, a year later, to more than 123,000. In 2008, it was learned that 65% of all reported cases were men and women aged between 16 and 24 years old. These statistics are alarming because it just goes to show a lot of people still have the question, “What is Chlamydia?”, unanswered.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Men and women have different symptoms of Chlamydia.

In men, it will take between one and three weeks after catching the infection before the first symptoms show. A strange discharge that appears to be cloudy and white may be seen on a patient’s penis tip. He may experience some pain during urination. He may also feel pain sensations in his testicles.

It is common for the symptoms to go away in a few days, but that does not mean the infection has also gone. It might be just biding its time. It is critical not to engage in any sexual activity during this period to avoid spreading the infection around.

In women, symptoms also appear about one to three weeks after catching the infection. She may feel some pain when urinating or having sex, or worse, even bleed. She may also discharge fluid that is strange looking. Upon having these symptoms, a female should immediately seek help because the infection can progress into much more serious complications. The Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID is what she may acquire if Chlamydia is left untreated, and this may lead to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and infertility.

How does a person get infected with Chlamydia?

Unprotected sex is the primary reason for getting infected with Chlamydia, and all other sexually transmitted diseases. Whether it is anal, oral, or vaginal, once a bodily fluid that carries the infection finds its way to another human’s body, that other person will automatically carry the disease. Chlamydia is not choosy when it comes to its victims. Everybody is at risk.

Consult a doctor to know more about Chlamydia or any STD. Get a Chlamydia test to confirm whether you have the infection or not. Awareness, responsibility, and education play significant roles in the prevention of its spread, so we better do our share and help stop the spread of this disease.